Daily Business Report — Nov. 19, 2009
San Diego’s Water Use Drops
Citywide, water use dropped 9.5 percent in October compared to the same month last year, Mayor Jerry Sanders reported. That figure includes a 10.8 percent decline in the amount of water used by city government. “Saving water is a civic responsibility that San Diegans clearly take seriously. The latest figures continue to show that all of us are meeting the challenge,” said Sanders.
Overall, San Diegans have reduced their water use roughly 13 percent in the months since the city imposed mandatory water restrictions on June 1. For October, residential use dropped 8.6 percent; irrigation, 14.7 percent; and commercial/industrial, 8.5 percent.
“I urge all San Diegans to visit the city’s Website (sandiego.gov/water/conservation/tips.shtml) for two dozen tips on how to save hundreds of gallons of water a week,” said Sanders. Those tips include turning off the water while lathering in the shower, rinsing dishes with short blasts of water, avoid using hot water to defrost frozen food and using a broom instead of a hose to clean your patio.
Meanwhile, the San Diego City Council has approved a 7.75 percent increase in water rates starting Jan. 1 to cover the increased cost of purchasing imported water. The water rate increase is the sixth since 2007. Councilmembers Donna Frye and Carl DeMaio voted against the increase. Council President Ben Hueso was absent at the vote.
City of San Diego Penalized for Sewage Overflows
The San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board on Wednesday adopted orders imposing $680,278 in penalties against the city of San Diego and $70,680 in penalties against the city of Laguna Beach for sewage overflows that violated state requirements for public sanitary sewer systems. State requirements prohibit sewage overflows into surface waters.
The city of San Diego was fined for the release of 381,185 gallons of untreated sewage to Lake Hodges for five days from Aug. 20 through Aug. 24, 2007. Lake Hodges is a domestic water supply reservoir for communities in north San Diego County served by the Santa Fe Irrigation District and San Dieguito Water Districts. The maximum statutory penalty the board could have assessed is $3,811,850.
The city of Laguna Beach was fined for the release of 590,000 gallons of untreated sewage to the Pacific Ocean on Oct. 29, 2008. The maximum statutory penalty the board could have assessed is $5,900,000.
“Sewage overflows are among the most significant threats to water quality and the use of water in our region,” said John Robertus, water board executive officer. “The board imposed a fraction of the maximum penalties it could have, but the message is clear. It is imperative that sewage collection agencies concentrate on both the prevention of and the response to spills, especially in areas upstream of significant aquatic resources.
AIS Installers Renews Lease at Southrail Business Park
AIS Installers Inc., an auto parts installation company, has signed a three-year, $75,660 lease renewal for 2,532 square feet of industrial space in Southrail Business Park at 664 Marsat Court, Suite A in Chula Vista. Westcore Properties, the lessor, and AIS Installers represented themselves. Southrail Business Park is a 15-building, 128,000-square-foot industrial park that was acquired by Westcore Properties in 2002. The park is 87 percent leased with LGB Incorporated, Delphinus Engineering and Sammy’s Kitchen & Bath among its tenants.
Freight Scan wins contract for airport
FreightScan LLC in Carlsbad, which develops technology solutions for the freight and logistics industry, announced has received a contract to permanently install an FS100 automated system for cargo dimensioning at the Worldwide Flight Services cargo facility at the Dallas Fort Worth Airport following a successful three-month evaluation process.
Dynalectric Company Works Several Projects
Dynalectric Company San Diego is currently providing the electrical systems installation for several San Diego projects, including the Berth Lima facility at Naval Air Station North Island, Deer Canyon Elementary School, UCSD’s North Campus Student Housing, SeaWorld’s dolphin show and Valley View Casino’s new luxury hotel.
David Osias to be Inducted into College of Bankruptcy
David Osias, chair of the bankruptcy and creditors’ rights practice of Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis and a partner in the law firm’s San Diego office, will be inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy. Osias is considered an authority on creditor and debtor rights in out-of-court workouts and restructurings, federal and state-court receiverships and reorganization and liquidation bankruptcy proceedings. As one of the new Fellows in the 21st Class (2010), Osias will be inducted at a ceremony to be held at the Great Hall of Supreme Court of the United States on March 12, 2010.
County Helps with Toys for Tots
The county of San Diego will assist the United States Marines Corps in its annual Toys for Tots campaign with collection points at Ramona and Fallbrook airports. Residents can drop off new unwrapped toys at either airport prior to the scheduled Saturday pick-ups. Pilots also are encouraged to fly in with toy deliveries. Marines, in cammys and full-dress uniform, will collect the toys from Ramona Airport on Dec. 5, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and from Fallbrook Airpark on Dec. 12, also from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Last year, Marines filled two nine-ton trucks with toys collected at these two airports. Area pilots also flew in from surrounding airports to deliver toys to the Marines. For more information, contact Bo Donovan at (760) 788-3366.
The Daily Business Report
The Daily Business Report is a product of REP Publishing Inc., publisher of San Diego Metropolitan magazine and the North Park News. Our offices are in Cabrillo Plaza, 3990 Old Town Ave., Suite A-201, in Old Town. To reach editorial, call (619) 906-4104. For advertising, dial (619) 906-4105. The fax is (619) 906-4106. Send editorial material via e-mail to manny@sandiegometro.com. For advertising, send to cyndi@sandiegometro.com.
